14 Days from Casablanca to Desert and Marrakech

Your drive will meet you at the hotel in Casablanca and then transfer to Rabat set about 1 hour away. Rabat was founded in 10th century by the Phoenicians, later by Romans.

Rabat:

Visit ruins that they left behind. Our visit of Rabat will include Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret of the great Hassan Mosque constructed by the Almohad Yacoub El Mansour. Next to the tower we visit the resting place – Mausoleum Mohammmed V and Hassan II. Visit of Rabat would not be complete without walk in the Kasbah of the Ouidais, fortress that was once a city itself and later lair of pirates. Then direct transfer to Chefchaouen.

Chefchaouen has very distinct pale blue and buildings and winding alleyways, This is a charming place with strong Andalusian connections. It was here that many Jews and Moors fled during the Spanish Inquisition. You can enjoy a short hike to the ruin of the ”Spanish” mosque with its fantastic panoramic view; a visit to the Ras el-Ma, where city’s fresh water springs from the mountain; and a stroll through the kasbah and gardens.

After breakfast, the Majestic Tour Of Morocco continu, make your way to the ruins of the former Roman outpost that is Volubilis. Once home to nearly 20,000 people during Roman occupation, many of its structures and mosaics are still intact for us to behold. From Volubilis, it’s only a short jaunt to Meknes, which was the first capital of the Alouite Dynasty, under the bloody rule of Moulay Idriss I. Spend some time relaxing in this charming, quintessentially Moroccan city, before journeying to Fes to spend the night.

You will begin with a guided tour of the medina where you will have an opportunity to explore the labyrinth of streets overflowing with pottery, ceramics, fresh fruits, loads of rich spices, and many other Moroccan artifacts. Visit the tanneries and have an opportunity to experience first hand how leather is processed, dyed and converted into fine leather goods ranging from wallets, purses. jackets etc. Also have an opportunity to see the King’s Palace. You will then enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch, you will you will be transported to your hotel/riad for the evening.

Early morning departure from the Fez into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We set into the city of flowers and top ski resorts. Take in the breathtaking views of the cedar-forested hills of Azrou. This area is abundant for wildlife and we most likely will encounter Barbary macaque living in these forests. This area is also know for its monkeys.

Merzouga desert

After we pass the city of Midelt we descend into the Ziz Valley created by the Ziz river over millions of years. These carved gorges offer great fertile agricultural land. We pass through the garrison town of Erfourd and onto Rissani. Soon after you will start to see the sand dunes of Merzouga, Erg Chebbi. Night in hotel right on the outskirt of the dunes.

Erg Chebbi are one of the most photographed places in the world and when you see them you will know why. This is an amazing desert experience . Take a camel ride across the dunes when the sun goes down. Camp out in either a desert camp or hotel.

We depart the desert and head into the village of Tinghir and to the nearby Todra Gorge. View its gigantic rock walls change colors to magical effect as the sun hits it at different parts of the day. We have some time to stretch our legs and then continue to another gorge of Dades. Travel along small villages painted in pink-grey colors merging into the local rock, ruins of kasbahs and ksours and parts of fertile shafts of land creating breathtaking contrast to the arid land. Later we continue the journey to Dades Valley.

We start the morning close to the Dades Gorge with high cliffs of limestone and weirdly shapped erosions. Then we set onto the road of Thousand Kasbah passing Rose Valley and Skoura Oasis reaching the city of Ouarzazate. Not far from Ouarzazate we stop to visit the oldest and finest example of fortified city – Ait Ben haddou. After our visit we continue across the High Atlas Mountains over dramatic drive offering splendid views to Marrakech.

Guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a complete tour of the famous Medina.

Leisure day in Marrakech

Essaouira is set less then 3 hours from Marrakech. This cool sea breeze town offers a lovely beach in the Mediterranean.

Essaouira can be easily explored on your own. Walkways in medina includes Squal Du Port, which one shield the port, an old port early morning bustling with sea catches of the day. You can also take opportunity to stroll down into the beach.

Departure for Casablanca via El Jadida, arrival in the evening at hotel. The 14 Days from Casablanca to Desert and Marrakech ends.